In 2010, after planning my wedding pretty much nonstop and then dealing with the loss of my father, I suffered from a lot of stress and grief. My mind would constantly race with anxious thoughts and I realized that I was getting stressed out about way too many little things. So to bring myself some peace, I decided to look into practicing meditation, since I had heard it really helped calm the mind and body. I’ve now been practicing it pretty regularly for about a year and it really has done wonders for my mental and physical health! :D
Meditate for a mind like calm waters.
Meditation is a practice that is not specific to any particular religion, even though its history is linked with many kinds. It is open, freeing, and a very relaxing experience that anyone can enjoy. :D You’re not meant to either repress your thoughts or emotions or let them run wild, but instead try to find a balance. To allow your mind to acknowledge the thoughts that pop up without acting upon them. This way you can observe your emotions without letting them consume you (which is what was happening to me.)
My current routine is to meditate for at least 10 minutes every morning. I sit on a folded up blanket on the floor (in a quiet room where no kitties pounce on me) and I practice different breathing and focusing techniques. My favorite way is to simply concentrate lightly on the feeling of my breath through my nose as I inhale and exhale. Nothing else.
If a thought tries to get my attention (like omg, I need to run 26 errands today), I say in my head “Later.” and allow the thought to softly dissolve. This way, I’m acknowledging the thought and its emotion without “punishing” myself for feeling that way or losing concentration.
It’s just the way the mind works. If you repress your emotions they will just bubble up worse later on and if you let them run rampant in your head you’re liable to go into a stress frenzy! And if you try to punish yourself, you’ll never make any progress or feel any calmer.
Practicing meditation makes me feel peaceful and clear throughout each day! I feel like I can focus better and take in my surroundings on a deeper level. Too often we get wrapped up in the rapid pace of life and I really believe that our minds get attuned to that routine. It can be a challenge to break out of that but molding the mind is a constant process because we as human beings are a process, constantly changing each day.
Here are my favorite resources on meditation:
- Hurry Up and Meditate – One of my favorite books full of great info and lots of techniques. It was the first one I picked up about meditation, actually, and the author’s prose is witty and enjoyable.
- When Things Fall Apart – I just began this book a few days ago and I can already tell it’s going to be a wonderful read. While not particularly about meditation (although the author does describe methods) it has many words of wisdom on working through difficult situations and the author’s own story is very heartfelt.
- Andrea Fella – My favorite teacher and speaker. I first discovered her talks online via podcast early on in 2010 and she has since been an inspiration to me! Her personal journey is amazing and I love listening to her discussions.
Topic: “What helps you relax?” from the Chiklita Blogging Challenge
One of my yoga teachers used to illustrate the “Later” thing you mentioned by having us imagine our thoughts like leaves on a slow-moving stream. They are there, and we can acknowledge they are there, but we let them float by without acting on them. If a thought comes up (like your OMG ERRANDS thought), it just becomes another leaf on the stream. That visual was really helpful for me!
This sort of thing is what I miss most about my weekly yoga classes. I think it would be hard for me to find some time by myself to meditate every day (maybe during Wesley’s naptime?) but you’ve reminded me that it might be a good idea.
Ooh, I love that leaf visual, thanks for sharing that. :D
I’ve always sort of wanted to try meditating because I’m seriously struggling with finding balance. Just like the million other things I want to try inserting into my day, I don’t think it will happen :( I love the idea. I lack the personal discipline. I’m very happy to hear that it has worked for you, and as always, you are an inspiration to me to try new things.
Aww, yay! <3
I’ve been thinking of trying meditation to help deal with stress, but have always felt overwhelmed whenever I read articles on it (I guess that shows how much I really need to do it).
But this entry put it in such a nice way. You made it seem like it’s something I can do. I think I should try it today. Do you recommend meditating in the morning?
I’m pleased to know that meditation has really helped you, especially undergoing such stressful events as you have.
By the way I have to say, I am absolutely in love with your site. But then again, it’s a “little whimsy”, so of course I’d love it!
Aw, thank you! :D
The morning is my favorite time to meditate! I’ll usually do it after I eat breakfast and have woken up a bit (so I don’t fall asleep, haha.) It’s nice because then you start today in a lovely calm state and feel more prepared to take on whatever comes up. :)